Universal modular attachments for eye drop containers

ABSTRACT

Introduced here are universal modular attachments that can be attached to medication containers. Because a single modular attachment is typically attachable to medication containers of different sizes, the modular attachment can be referred to as a “universal modular attachment.” For example, some universal modular attachments are attachable to any cylindrical eye drop container having a diameter ranging from 20 millimeters (mm) to 27 mm. A connector ring that substantially matches the diameter of the medication container secures the universal modular attachment to the medication container. The connector ring may be fixedly affixed to the medication container, while the universal modular attachment may be detachably connectable to the connector ring. Each universal modular attachment also includes sensor(s) that are configured to detect administrations of medication. For example, the universal modular attachment may include a motion sensor able to detect instances of movement that are indicative of administrations of medication.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/618,518, filed Jun. 9, 2017, entitled “UNIVERSAL MODULAR ATTACHMENTSFOR EYE DROP CONTAINERS,” which incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety.

RELATED FIELD

Various embodiments concern network-connected (i.e., “smart”) modularattachments that detect and track administrations of medication from amedication container.

BACKGROUND

Approximately thirty percent of medication prescriptions are neverfilled, and nearly fifty percent of medications for chronic diseases(i.e., long-lasting conditions) are not taken as prescribed. This lackof adherence to medication regimens has dramatic effects on the healthof individuals and the healthcare costs for society as a whole.Non-adherence has been estimated to cost the U.S. health care system$200 billion annually.

For example, compliance with an ophthalmological medication plan (alsoreferred to as a “medication regimen”) may be vital for preventingvisual loss and blindness resulting from chronic conditions such asglaucoma. But almost seventy-five percent of patients admit to some formof noncompliant behavior, over thirty percent of patients do not filltheir prescriptions, and nearly fifty percent of patients discontinuetheir prescriptions within six months of it being prescribed.

While forgetfulness is one barrier to adherence with a medicationregimen, it is not the only barrier. Taking the medication at the wrongtime, stopping administration of the medication too early, and takingthe wrong dose also represent serious barriers to adherence.Unfortunately, there are no effective systems for managing adherence toa medication regimen that may be necessary to maintain or improve anindividual's health in a convenient and inconspicuous manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of various universal modular attachments (also referred toas “the technology”) are illustrated by way of example and notlimitation in the accompanying drawings, in which like referencesindicate similar elements. Various objects, features, andcharacteristics of the technology will become more apparent to thoseskilled in the art from a study of the Detailed Description inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 depicts a universal modular attachment that can be secured to anyof several eye drop containers.

FIG. 2 depicts universal modular attachments that have been connected toeye drop containers using connector rings.

FIG. 3 depicts an exploded view of a universal modular attachment, aconnector ring, and an eye drop container.

FIG. 4 illustrates how a connector ring can securably receive a portionof a universal modular attachment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a universal modular attachment that isconfigured to track administrations of medication.

FIG. 6 depicts an example of a network environment that includes auniversal modular attachment, a mobile phone having an applicationconfigured to present an adherence report, and a network-accessibleserver system responsible for supporting the application.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a process for detecting administrations ofmedication (e.g., eye drops) from a container and/or monitoringadherence to a medication regimen.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a processing systemin which at least some operations described herein can be implemented.

The figures depict various embodiments of the technology for the purposeof illustration only. Those skilled in the art will recognize thatalternative embodiments may be employed without departing from theprinciples of the technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A medication regimen is a plan or a regulated course of action(s) (e.g.,diet and exercise) that is designed to improve or maintain the healthstatus of a person. For example, a medication regimen may identify amedication that is to be administered by an individual, the frequencyand/or time that dose(s) of the medication are to be administered, theamount/quantity of each dose, etc.

There are many reasons why an individual may not comply with amedication regimen. For example, the individual may forget to administerthe medication, misunderstand the medication regimen, make an errorregarding the dose (e.g., the amount/quantity or time), forget to refilla prescription, or could simply be unable to afford the medication. Butthe lack of adherence may have a severe impact on the individual'shealth.

Moreover, there may be a number of parties who have a vested interest inwhether the individual adheres to the medication regimen. Interestedparties could include family members, healthcare personnel (e.g.,physicians, nurses, and pharmacists), researchers, pharmaceuticaldevelopers, etc. For example, a child of an elderly parent may want toknow when the parent has failed to adhere to a medication regimen sothat the child can identify the reason(s) for the non-adherence and takeappropriate action(s).

Introduced here, therefore, are modular attachments for managing theadministration of a medication from a medication container, such as aneye drop container. More specifically, the modular attachments can beconnected to medication containers using connector rings. Because asingle modular attachment is typically attachable to multiple eye dropcontainers of different sizes, the modular attachment can be referred toas a “universal modular attachment” or a “universal attachment.”

A universal modular attachment can include one or more sensors (e.g.,motion sensors, pressure sensors, positional sensors) that enable theuniversal modular attachment to readily monitor adherence to amedication regimen. For example, the universal modular attachment mayexamine motion data generated by a motion sensor to detect actsindicative of an administration of medication (e.g., shaking ortilting). Accordingly, the technology can be used to address afundamental challenge, namely, accurately tracking usage of an eye dropcontainer in a convenient and inconspicuous manner.

For example, some embodiments of the universal modular attachment areattachable to any cylindrical eye drop container having a diameterranging from 20 millimeters (mm) to 27 mm. A connector ring thatsubstantially matches the diameter of each eye drop container can beused to secure the universal modular attachment to the corresponding eyedrop container. Thus, eye drop containers of different sizes may beconnected to connector rings of different sizes, while each connectorring (regardless of size) may be designed to interface with theuniversal modular attachment. A connector ring can be fixedly affixed toa corresponding eye drop container through the use ofpermanent/semi-permanent adhesives, fixtures, ultrasonic welding, etc.

A universal modular attachment can then be detachably connected to theconnector ring through the use of a quick release mechanism (e.g.,magnets or mechanical clips/features). For example, an individual maysecure the universal modular attachment to the connector ring byaligning complementary magnets, physical male threads that are designedto mate with complementary female threads, etc. Such a design allows theindividual to remove the universal modular attachment from the connectorring affixed to an empty eye drop container, and then attach theuniversal modular attachment to another connector ring affixed to a fulleye drop container. The connector ring can simply be thrown away alongwith the empty eye drop container.

The universal modular attachment could include one or more sensors thatenable administrations of medication to be detected. Various embodimentscould include an electromagnetic sensor, motion sensor, positionalsensor, sound sensor (e.g., microphone), optical sensor (e.g., camera),climate sensor (e.g., humidity sensor, temperature sensor, or smogsensor), and/or a pressure sensor. Those skilled in the art willrecognize that a universal modular attachment could include some or allof these sensors, as well as other sensors. For example, someembodiments of the universal modular attachment include a motion sensorthat indicates when the eye drop container is being tilted or shaken. Asanother example, some embodiments of the universal modular attachmentinclude a pressure sensor that detects deformations in the housing ofthe eye drop container due to squeezing. In such embodiments, thepressure sensor may be disposed along the top of the universal modularattachment such that it maintains contact with the bottom side of theeye drop container, or the pressure sensor could be affixed along thesidewall of the eye drop container (e.g., disposed beneath the labelsticker of the eye drop container).

Data generated by the sensor(s) can be used to track adherence to amedication regimen and generate an adherence report. The universalmodular attachment may transmit some or all of the data to anothercomputing device (e.g., a mobile phone) associated with the individual,a network-accessible storage, or both. Consequently, the individual maybe able to view the adherence report (as well as related recordings andother information) via an interface presented by a web browser, desktopsoftware program, mobile application, or over-the-top (OTT) application.The interface may be accessible via a mobile phone, tablet computer,personal computer, game console (e.g., Sony PlayStation® or MicrosoftXbox®), wearable electronic device (e.g., a watch or fitness tracker),network-connected (“smart”) devices, virtual/augmented reality systems(e.g., Oculus Rift® or Microsoft Hololens®), etc. Additionally, oralternatively, the interface may be accessible via a display included inthe universal modular attachment or a display included in the eye dropcontainer. The display could present various types of informationregarding the medication, medication regimen, compliance status, etc.

Embodiments have been described in the context of certain types ofmedication, (e.g., eye drops), containers (e.g., cylindrical bottles),and networks (e.g., Bluetooth®) for the purpose of illustration only.Those skilled in the art will recognize that the features describedherein are equally applicable to other types of medications, containers,networks, etc.

Moreover, the technology can be embodied as special-purpose hardware(e.g., circuitry), programmable circuitry appropriately programmed withsoftware and/or firmware, or as a combination of special-purposehardware and programmable circuitry. Accordingly, embodiments mayinclude a machine-readable medium having instructions that may be usedto program a computing device to perform a process for parsing sensordata to detect administrations of medication, monitor compliance with amedication regimen, etc.

Terminology

Brief definitions of terms, abbreviations, and phrases used throughoutthe specification are given below.

Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment”means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic describedin connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodimentof the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in some embodiments”are not necessarily referring to the same embodiments, nor are theynecessarily referring to separate or alternative embodiments that aremutually exclusive of one another. Various features are described thatmay be exhibited by some embodiments but not others. Similarly, variousrequirements are described that may be requirements for some embodimentsbut not others.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the words “comprise” and“comprising” are to be construed in an inclusive sense rather than anexclusive or exhaustive sense (i.e., in the sense of “including, but notlimited to”). The terms “connected,” “coupled,” or any variant thereofincludes any connection or coupling between two or more elements, eitherdirect or indirect. The coupling or connection between the elements canbe physical, logical, or a combination thereof. For example, devices maybe coupled directly to one another or via one or more intermediarychannels/devices. Devices may also be coupled in such a way thatinformation can be passed there between, despite not sharing anyphysical connection with one another. The words “associate with,”meanwhile, mean connecting or relating objects, items, etc.

Where the context permits, words used in the singular sense or theplural sense may also be used in the plural sense or the singular sense,respectively. The word “or,” in reference to a list of two or moreitems, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any ofthe items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combinationof the items in the list. If the specification states a component orfeature “may,” “can,” “could,” or “might” be included or have acharacteristic, that particular component or feature is not required tobe included or have the characteristic in every embodiment.

The term “module” refers broadly to software, hardware, and/or firmwarecomponents. A module is typically a functional software component thatcan generate useful data or other output using specified input(s). Amodule may or may not be self-contained. A software program or a mobileapplication may include one or more modules.

The terminology used in the Detailed Description is intended to beinterpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even though it is beingused in conjunction with certain embodiments. The terms used in thisspecification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, in thecontext of the disclosure as a whole and in the specific context whereeach term is used. For convenience, certain terms may be highlightedusing, for example, capitalization, italics, and/or quotation marks.However, the use of highlighting has no influence on the scope andmeaning of a term. The scope and meaning of a term is the same, in thesame context, whether or not it is highlighted.

Although alternative language and synonyms may be used for some terms,special significance is not to be placed upon whether or not a term iselaborated or discussed herein. A recital of one or more synonyms doesnot exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere inthis specification, including examples of any terms discussed herein, isintended to be illustrative only. The examples are not intended to limitthe scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term.Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to the various embodimentsdescribed below.

System Topology Overview

FIG. 1 depicts a universal modular attachment 100 that can be secured toany of several eye drop containers 104 a-c. The physical modularattachment can be referred to as a “universal modular attachment”because it is typically attachable to multiple eye drop containers ofdifferent sizes. Here, for example, the universal modular attachment 100can be secured to eye drop containers 104 a-c of various sizes usingcorresponding connector rings 102 a-c (also referred to as “adaptorrings”).

In some embodiments, the universal modular attachment 100 is attachableto any cylindrical eye drop container having a diameter ranging from 20mm to 27 mm. However, other embodiments of the universal modularattachment 100 can be designed such that they can be affixed tocylindrical medication containers smaller or larger than this.Similarly, some embodiments of the universal modular attachment 100 aredesigned such that they can be affixed to non-cylindrical medicationcontainers.

Each connector ring 102 a-c can substantially match the diameter of thebase of a corresponding eye drop container 104 a-c. Thus, differentsizes of connector ring sizes may exist for different sizes ofmedication container. In some embodiments, the connector ring 102 a-c isfixedly attached to the eye drop container 104 a-c through the use ofpermanent/semi-permanent adhesives, fixtures (e.g., screws), ultrasonicwelding, etc. For example, the connector ring 102 a-c could be securedto the eye drop container 104 a-c by a label sticker that extends alongthe outer surfaces of the eye drop container 104 a-c and the connectorring 102 a-c.

FIG. 2 depicts universal modular attachments 200 a-b that have beenconnected to eye drop containers 204 a-b using connector rings 202. Morespecifically. FIG. 2 depicts a first embodiment where a universalmodular attachment 200 a has been connected to a connector ring 202 thatshares certain characteristic(s) with the eye drop container 204 a, suchas material composition and color, and a second embodiment where theuniversal modular attachment 200 b has been connected to a connectorring disposed beneath a label sticker 206 that is affixed to thesidewall of the eye drop container 204 b. The adhesive side of the labelsticker 206 can simply be affixed to the outer surface of the connectorring, thereby further securing the connector ring against the bottomside of the eye drop container 204 b.

In some embodiments, the label sticker 206 includes one or more sensorsthat are operatively/communicatively coupled to the universal modularattachment 200 b. For example, the label sticker 206 could includepressure sensor(s) (e.g., capacitive tactile pressure sensors) that areconfigured to detect when an individual grasps the eye drop container204 b and/or the connector ring. As another example, the label sticker206 could include pressure sensor(s) (e.g., piezoelectric sensors) thatgenerate an electronical signal upon being deformed due to theindividual squeezing the eye drop container 204 b (and thus deformingthe housing of the eye drop container 204 b). The sensor(s) aretypically disposed beneath, or embedded within, the label sticker 206that is affixed to the outer surface of the housing of the eye dropcontainer 204 b. However, those skilled in the art will recognize thatthe sensor(s) could also be connected to, or embedded within, thehousing of the eye drop container 204 b.

The sensor(s) can carry signals down to an adaptor interface of theuniversal modular attachment 200 a-b. The universal modular attachment200 a-b may use the signals (or a certain subset thereof) to triggercertain actions. For example, the universal modular attachment 200 b mayactivate a motion sensor or a positional sensor upon receiving a signalindicating that the individual has grasped the eye drop container 204 band applied pressure to a pressure sensor disposed beneath the labelsticker 206.

The connector ring 202 is typically comprised of plastic, rubber, metal,or some other suitable material that is inexpensive, durable, andreadily molded. Such a design allows the individual to readily disposeof the eye drop container 204 a-b (including any label sticker(s) 206)and the connector ring 202 when the eye drop container 204 a-b is empty.The universal modular attachment 200 a-b, meanwhile, can be reused andaffixed to another connector ring attached to another eye dropcontainer.

FIG. 3 depicts an exploded view of a universal modular attachment 300, aconnector ring 302, and an eye drop container 304.

The universal modular attachment 300 may be detachably connectable fromthe connector ring 302 through the use of a quick release mechanism(e.g., magnets or mechanical clips/features). For example, an individualmay secure the universal modular attachment 300 to the connector ring302 by aligning complementary magnets, physical male threads that aredesigned to mate with complementary female threads, etc. Such a designallows the individual to readily remove the universal modular attachment300 from the connector ring affixed to an empty eye drop container, andthen attach the universal modular attachment 300 to another connectorring affixed to a full eye drop container.

Because the connector ring 302 is generally comprised of a disposablematerial (e.g., plastic, rubber, or metal), the connector ring 302 canbe permanently fixed to disposable eye drop containers. Some embodimentsof the connector ring 302 are comprised of food grade material(s) and/orwater-resistant material(s). The connector ring 302 may further comprisea smooth powder coating that provides a durable aesthetic finish. Theconnector ring 302 and/or the powder coating may include anantimicrobial additive that inhibits the growth and development ofmicroorganisms.

Feature(s) of the connector ring 302 could also be incorporated into theuniversal modular attachment 300 and/or the eye drop container 304. Forexample, complementary mating components may be included on the housingof the universal modular attachment 300 and the housing of the eye dropcontainer 304. In such embodiments, the universal modular attachment 300and the eye drop container 304 can interface directly with one another,thereby rendering a separate connector ring 302 unnecessary.

FIG. 4 illustrates how a connector ring 402 can securably receive aportion of a universal modular attachment 400. Here, for example, theconnector ring 402 includes a series of physical teeth that engage ahead of the housing of the universal modular attachment 400. Someembodiments of the connector ring 402 include a tab that can bedepressed to release the series of physical teeth so that the universalmodular attachment 400 can be removed. Other embodiments of theconnector ring 402 instead design/manufacture the physical teeth suchthat the universal modular attachment 400 can be removed upon beingtugged/pulled.

The connector ring 402 may also enable signal(s) to be carried fromsensor(s) disposed beneath, or embedded within, the label sticker of aneye drop container down to an adaptor interface of the universal modularattachment 400. For example, two signals can be carried to the universalmodular attachment 400 from a pressure sensor disposed beneath the labelsticker, and one of those signals can be duplicated to create a thirdsignal that indicates when the universal modular attachment 400 issnapped to the connector ring 402. As another example, two signals canbe carried to the universal modular attachment 400 from a pressuresensor disposed beneath the label sticker, and a separate signal can becarried to the universal modular attachment 400 from a sensor (e.g., apiezoresistive strain gauge, mechanical pressure switch, or opticalsensor) that detects when the universal modular attachment 400 has beensnapped to the connector ring 402. Such a sensor could be disposedwithin the connector ring 402 or on a portion of the universal modularattachment 400 that interfaces with the connector ring 402.

When the eye drop container is empty, the individual can remove theuniversal modular attachment 400 by disconnecting it from the connectorring 402. The universal modular attachment 400 and the connector ring402 are typically designed such that the individual can simply tug onthe universal modular attachment 400 to remove it. The individual canthen discard the empty eye drop container along with the label stickerand the connector ring 402. The universal modular attachment 400 istypically designed such that it can be reused and connected to multipleeye drop containers (e.g., tens or hundreds of eye drop containers) overits lifetime.

While the universal modular attachment 400 should be easy to connect toand disconnect from the connector ring 402, the universal modularattachment 400 should remain affixed to the connector ring 402 duringnormal use/travel. For instance, the universal modular attachment 400and the connector ring 402 can be designed and manufactured withsufficient precision that they remain connected when carried in a purse,backpack, etc.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a universal modular attachment 500 that isconfigured to track administrations of medication. The universal modularattachment 500 can include one or more processors 502, a communicationmodule 504, a graphical user interface (GUI) module 506, a motion sensor508, a storage medium 510, and a power supply 512.

Other embodiments of the universal modular attachment 500 may includesome or all of these modules/components, as well as othermodules/components such as an electromagnetic sensor, a positionalsensor, a sound sensor (e.g., a microphone), a climate sensor (e.g.,humidity sensor, temperature sensor, or smog sensor), pressure sensor,etc. For example, some embodiments of the universal modular attachment500 include electromagnetic sensor(s) that are configured todetect/identify variations in electromagnetic radiation in the ambientenvironment.

The processor(s) 502 can execute the modules from instructions stored inthe storage medium 510, which can be any device or mechanism capable ofstoring information. Communication module 504 may manage communicationsbetween components of the universal modular attachment 500 and/orbetween the universal modular attachment 500 and another computingdevice. For example, the communication module 504 may transmit motiondata generated by the motion sensor 508 to a network-accessible serversystem or a computing device associated with an individual for furtherreview. Thus, the communication module 504 can effect a unidirectionaltransmission of information to another computing device across a networkor a bidirectional exchange of information with another computing deviceacross a network. The motion data generated by the motion sensor 508 canbe stored in the storage medium 510, one or more particular storagemodules (e.g., storage modules 510 a-n), a remote network-accessiblestorage, or some combination thereof.

The GUI module 506 can generate an interface that allows the individualto interact with universal modular attachment 500, review data generatedby the sensor(s), etc. In some embodiments, the GUI module 506 isexecuted by another computing device. For example, a computing device(e.g., a mobile phone) associated with the individual may include amobile application that executes the GUI module 506. In suchembodiments, the GUI module 506 need not reside on the universal modularattachment 500.

The motion sensor 508 can detect movement of the universal modularattachment 500. Because the universal modular attachment 500 isconnected to an eye drop container, the processor(s) 502 can parsemotion data generated by the motion sensor 508 to detect when the eyedrop container is being tilted or shaken. Such actions typicallycorrespond to administrations of medication, and thus can be used tomonitor adherence to a medication regimen. As noted above, otherembodiments of the universal modular attachment 500 may include othersensor(s). For example, some embodiments of the universal modularattachment 500 are connected to a pressure sensor that detectsdeformations in the housing of the eye drop container. The pressuresensor may be disposed along the top of the universal modular attachment500 such that it maintains contact with the bottom side of the eye dropcontainer, or it could be affixed along the sidewall of the eye dropcontainer (e.g., arranged beneath the label sticker of the eye dropcontainer).

The sensor(s) can be activated/deactivated in several ways. For example,some embodiments include a physical on/off switch, while otherembodiments include a sound sensor (e.g., a microphone) or a lightsensor (e.g., a camera) configured to detect activation utterances andgestures, respectively. Other examples of activation/deactivationtrigger mechanisms include sensing pressure (e.g., via the pressuresensors disposed beneath the label sticker of the eye drop container),sensing a radio-frequency identification (RFID) signature, sensing theelectronic signature of another computing device (e.g., a mobile phoneassociated with the individual) or a medication container, etc.

The motion sensor 508 (as well as any other sensors) can be coupled tothe power supply 512. The power supply 512 may include a battery, areplaceable/rechargeable battery pack, a solar cell, some otherregenerative power source, or any combination thereof. For example, thepower supply 512 may be a set of rechargeable lithium ion batteries. Therechargeable lithium ion batteries may be adapted to be recharged via aphysical charging interface that includes one or more electricalcontacts for contact charging. For example, the electrical contact(s)may be designed to mate with corresponding electrical contact(s) of acharging apparatus, such as a base station, cable, or another computingdevice. Additionally, or alternatively, the power supply 512 may supportwireless charging.

In some embodiments, the universal modular attachment 500 includes anoptical sensor (e.g., a camera) that is used to visually recordactivities during administration of the medication. For example, theoptical sensor may be configured to record medication managementactivities, such as opening the eye drop container, dispensing eyedrops, etc. As another example, the optical sensor could be configuredto record an image/video before or after administration of themedication. Additionally, or alternatively, a depth sensor or an imagesensor (e.g., configured for thermal imaging, radar, or sonar) may beused to discover characteristic(s) of the ambient environment.

The universal modular attachment 500 also includes a housing that can bemade of food grade material(s) and/or water-resistant material(s). Forexample, the universal modular attachment 500 may include a plastichousing that is encapsulated by a flexible, water-resistant rubbercoating that improves cleanability and durability. Other embodiments ofthe universal modular attachment 500 may include a housing comprised ofrubber, metal, ceramic, etc. Some embodiments of the universal modularattachment 500 further comprise a smooth powder coating that provides adurable aesthetic finish. The housing of the universal modularattachment 500 and/or the powder coating may include an antimicrobialadditive that inhibits the growth and development of microorganisms.

FIG. 6 depicts an example of a network environment 600 that includes auniversal modular attachment 602, a mobile phone 604 having anapplication configured to present an adherence report, and anetwork-accessible server system 606 responsible for supporting theapplication. However, in some embodiments the network environment 600may only include a subset of these computing devices (e.g., only theuniversal modular attachment 602 and the network-accessible serversystem 606).

While embodiments described herein may involve mobile phones, thoseskilled in the art will recognize that such embodiments have beenselected for the purpose of illustration only. The technology could beused in combination with any computing device that is able tocommunicate with the universal modular attachment 602 and/or thenetwork-accessible server system 606, such as personal computers, tabletcomputers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), game consoles (e.g., SonyPlayStation® or Microsoft Xbox®), music players (e.g., Apple iPodTouch®), wearable electronic devices (e.g., watches or fitness bands),network-connected (“smart”) devices (e.g., televisions and homeassistant devices), virtual/augmented reality systems (e.g.,head-mounted displays such as Oculus Rift® and Microsoft Hololens®), orother electronic devices.

The universal modular attachment 602, mobile phone 604, and/ornetwork-accessible server system 606 can be connected via one or morenetworks 608 a-c, which may include the Internet, local area networks(LANs), wide area networks (WANs), metropolitan area networks (MANs),cellular networks (e.g., LTE, 3G, 4G), etc. Additionally, oralternatively, the universal modular attachment 602, mobile phone 604,and/or network-accessible server system 606 may communicate with oneanother over a short-range communication protocol, such as Bluetooth®,Near Field Communication (NFC), radio-frequency identification (RFID),wireless Universal Serial Bus (USB), a proprietary point-to-pointprotocol, etc. Thus, the universal modular attachment 602 can be coupledto the mobile phone 604 and/or the network-accessible server system 606via a wired channel or a wireless channel.

Generally, a mobile application executing on the mobile phone 604 isresponsible for generating and/or presenting an adherence report thatindicates whether an individual has administered medication from an eyedrop container connected to the universal modular attachment 602 inaccordance with a medication regimen. In some embodiments the mobilephone 604 is responsible for processing data generated by sensor(s)included in the universal modular attachment 602, while in otherembodiments some or all of the processing is performed by the universalmodular attachment 602. Therefore, in some instances the universalmodular attachment 602 may execute the techniques described hereinwithout needing to be communicatively coupled to any network(s), othercomputing device(s), etc.

In some embodiments the network-accessible server system 606 isresponsible for supporting the application executing on the mobile phone604, while in other embodiments the network-accessible server system 606acts as a repository for sensor data generated by the universal modularattachment 602. The network-accessible server system 606 may alsoinclude algorithms that can be applied by the universal modularattachment 602 and/or the mobile phone 604 to more intelligently parsethe sensor data.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a process 700 for detecting administrationsof medication (e.g., eye drops) from a container and/or monitoringadherence to a medication regimen. A universal modular attachment isinitially secured to an eye drop container (step 701). Generally, theuniversal modular attachment is detachably connected to a connector ringthat is fixedly attached to the eye drop container. However, theuniversal modular attachment could also be connected directly to the eyedrop container.

The universal modular attachment can then establish a communicationchannel between itself and a first computing device (step 702). Forexample, a wireless communication module housed within the universalmodular attachment could establish a communication channel using theNear Field Communication (NFC) protocol, wireless Universal Serial Bus(USB) protocol, Bluetooth® protocol, WiFi protocol, or a proprietarypoint-to-point protocol.

A motion sensor housed within the universal modular attachment can thengenerate motion data (step 703). Because the universal modularattachment is secured to the eye drop container, the motion datarepresents the collective motion of both items.

The universal modular attachment can then parse the motion data toidentify movements that are indicative of dispersals of medication fromthe eye drop container (step 704). A processor may be configured toparse some or all of the motion data generated by the motion sensor. Insome instances, the universal modular attachment (and, morespecifically, the processor) will identify a movement indicative of adispersal of medication from the eye drop container (step 705). Forexample, the processor may detect variations in the motion data thatindicate the eye drop container was picked up, shaken, inverted,squeezed, etc.

In some embodiments, the universal modular attachment then records atime stamp corresponding to the movement (step 706). Other informationcould also be recorded, including ambient information (e.g.,temperature, humidity, pollution), health information (e.g., byprompting the individual to specify side effects, present condition,etc.), device information (e.g., battery level), etc.

The universal modular attachment can then communicate the time stamp tothe first computing device (step 707). In some embodiments the firstcomputing device examines the time stamp to determine whether themedication was administered in accordance with a medication regimen,while in other embodiments the universal modular attachment isresponsible for determining compliance.

Unless contrary to physical possibility, it is envisioned that the stepsdescribed above may be performed in various sequences and combinations.For example, the wireless communication module of the universal modularattachment may not establish the communication channel until aftermovement(s) have been identified within the motion data. As anotherexample, some embodiments of the universal modular attachmentperiodically (e.g., daily or weekly) upload time stamps and/or motiondata to the first computing device, while other embodiments of theuniversal modular attachment automatically sync with the first computingdevice so long as both devices are communicatively coupled to oneanother (e.g., connected to the same network).

Other steps could also be included. For example, some embodiments of theuniversal modular attachment further transmit an indication of thedispersal of medication to the first computing device. Reception of theindication may prompt the first computing device to determine acompliance level for an individual based on whether the dispersal(s)satisfy parameters of a medication regimen, and then transmit anotification to a second computing device that specifies the compliancestatus. The first computing device may be a network-accessible serversystem or a personal computing device associated with the individual,while the second computing device may be a personal computing deviceassociated with the individual or another individual (e.g., familymember, medical professional, or researcher).

As another example, a universal modular attachment could include anambient sensor (e.g., temperature sensor, humidity sensor, pollutionsensor) that generates data that characterizes the ambient environment.In such embodiments, the universal modular attachment could parse thedata to detect one or more features that enable the medication regimento be personalized for an individual, update a parameter foradministering the medication, and notify the individual of the updatedparameter. For example, the universal modular attachment may increasethe number of eye drops to be administered responsive to determiningthat the ambient environment is warmer or drier than a specifiedthreshold. Notifications can be delivered via an electronic display,light-emitting diodes (LEDs), speaker, haptic actuator, etc. Moreover,notifications may be in the form of an email message, text message, pushnotification, automated voice message, etc.

Processing System

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a processing system800 in which at least some operations described herein can beimplemented. The processing system may include one or more centralprocessing units (“processors”) 802, main memory 806, non-volatilememory 810, network adapter 812 (e.g., network interfaces), videodisplay 818, input/output devices 820, control device 822 (e.g.,keyboard and pointing devices), drive unit 824 including a storagemedium 826, and signal generation device 830 that are communicativelyconnected to a bus 816.

The bus 816 is illustrated as an abstraction that represents one or morephysical buses and/or point-to-point connections that are connected byappropriate bridges, adapters, or controllers. Therefore, the bus 816can include a system bus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) busor PCI-Express bus, a HyperTransport or industry standard architecture(ISA) bus, a small computer system interface (SCSI) bus, a universalserial bus (USB), IIC (I2C) bus, or an Institute of Electrical andElectronics Engineers (IEEE) standard 1394 bus (also referred to as“Firewire”).

In some embodiments the processing system 800 operates as part of auniversal modular attachment configured to track administrations ofmedication, while in other embodiments the processing system 800 isconnected (wired or wirelessly) to the universal modular attachment. Ina networked deployment, the processing system 800 may operate in thecapacity of a server or a client machine in a client-server networkenvironment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer network environment.The processing system 800 may be a server, a personal computer (PC), atablet computer, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA),a mobile phone, a processor, a telephone, a web appliance, a networkrouter, a switch, a bridge, a console, a gaming device, a music player,or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential orotherwise) that specify actions to be taken by the processing system800.

While the main memory 806, non-volatile memory 810, and storage medium826 (also called a “machine-readable medium”) are shown to be a singlemedium, the term “machine-readable medium” and “storage medium” shouldbe taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., acentralized or distributed database and/or associated caches andservers) that store one or more sets of instructions 828. The term“machine-readable medium” and “storage medium” shall also be taken toinclude any medium that is capable of storing, encoding, or carrying aset of instructions for execution by the processing system 800.

In general, the routines executed to implement the embodiments of thedisclosure may be implemented as part of an operating system or aspecific application, component, program, object, module or sequence ofinstructions referred to as “computer programs.” The computer programstypically comprise one or more instructions (e.g., instructions 804,808, 828) set at various times in various memory and storage devices ina computing device, and that, when read and executed by the one or moreprocessors 802, cause the processing system 800 to perform operations toexecute elements involving the various aspects of the technology.

Moreover, while embodiments have been described in the context of fullyfunctioning computing devices, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the various embodiments are capable of being distributed as aprogram product in a variety of forms. The disclosure applies regardlessof the particular type of machine or computer-readable media used toactually effect the distribution.

Further examples of machine-readable storage media, machine-readablemedia, or computer-readable media include, but are not limited to,recordable-type media such as volatile and non-volatile memory devices810, floppy and other removable disks, hard disk drives, optical disks(e.g., Compact Disk Read-Only Memory (CD ROMS), Digital Versatile Disks(DVDs)), and transmission-type media such as digital and analogcommunication links.

The network adapter 812 enables the processing system 800 to mediatedata in a network 814 with an entity that is external to the processingsystem 800 through any communication protocol supported by theprocessing system 800 and the external entity. The network adapter 812can include one or more of a network adaptor card, a wireless networkinterface card, a router, an access point, a wireless router, a switch,a multilayer switch, a protocol converter, a gateway, a bridge, bridgerouter, a hub, a digital media receiver, and/or a repeater.

The network adapter 812 can include a firewall that governs and/ormanages permission to access/proxy data in a computer network, andtracks varying levels of trust between different machines and/orapplications. The firewall can be any number of modules having anycombination of hardware and/or software components able to enforce apredetermined set of access rights between a particular set of machinesand applications, machines and machines, and/or applications andapplications (e.g., to regulate the flow of traffic and resource sharingbetween these entities). The firewall may additionally manage and/orhave access to an access control list that details permissions includingthe access and operation rights of an object by an individual, amachine, and/or an application, and the circumstances under which thepermission rights stand.

The techniques introduced here can be implemented by programmablecircuitry (e.g., one or more microprocessors), software and/or firmware,special-purpose hardwired (i.e., non-programmable) circuitry, or acombination of such forms. Special-purpose circuitry can be in the formof, for example, one or more application-specific integrated circuits(ASICs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gatearrays (FPGAs), etc.

Remarks

The foregoing description of various embodiments of the claimed subjectmatter has been provided for the purposes of illustration anddescription. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the claimedsubject matter to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to one skilled in the art. Embodiments werechosen and described in order to best describe the principles of theinvention and its practical applications, thereby enabling othersskilled in the relevant art to understand the claimed subject matter,the various embodiments, and the various modifications that are suitedto the particular uses contemplated.

Although the above Detailed Description describes certain embodimentsand the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appearsin text, the embodiments can be practiced in many ways. Details of thetechnology may vary considerably in its implementation details whilestill being encompassed by the specification. As noted above, particularterminology used when describing certain features or aspects of variousembodiments should not be taken to imply that the terminology is beingredefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics,features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology isassociated. In general, the terms used in the following claims shouldnot be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodimentsdisclosed in the specification, unless those terms are explicitlydefined herein. Accordingly, the actual scope of the inventionencompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalentways of practicing or implementing the embodiments covered by theclaims.

The language used in the specification has been principally selected forreadability and instructional purposes, and it may not have beenselected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. Itis therefore intended that the scope of the invention not be limited bythis Detailed Description, but rather by any claims that issue on anapplication based hereon. Accordingly, the disclosure of variousembodiments is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of thescope of the technology.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a housing adapted to bedetachably connected to an adaptor fixedly disposed on a bottom of acontainer; a motion sensor engaged with said housing and adapted todetect a movement indicative of dispensing a dispersal of a contents ofsaid container and to generate motion data therefrom; wherein: saidadaptor is disposed on said container apart from a dispensing path fordispensing said dispersal of said contents from said container; and saidhousing is adapted to be connected to said adaptor such that saidapparatus is apart from said dispensing path when said housing isconnected to said adaptor.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: saidadaptor comprises an adaptor ring.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:said container comprises a medication container.
 4. The apparatus ofclaim 1, comprising: a communicator adapted to communicate informationbi-directionally with a first computing device distal from said housingand said container.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein: saidcommunicator is adapted to communicate said motion data to said firstcomputing device so as to enable identifying by said first computingdevice of said movement indicative of dispensing said dispersal fromsaid motion data.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising: a processoradapted to identify from said motion data said movement indicative ofdispensing said dispersal.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein: saidprocessor is adapted to determine compliance with a regimen from saiddispersal.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6, comprising: a communicatoradapted to communicate information bi-directionally with a firstcomputing device distal from said housing and said container; whereinsaid communicator is adapted to communicate said dispersal to said firstcomputing device so as to enable determination of compliance with aregimen by said first computing device.
 9. The apparatus of claim 7,comprising: a communicator adapted to communicate informationbi-directionally with a first computing device distal from said housingand said container; wherein said communicator is adapted to communicateat least one of said dispersal and said compliance to said firstcomputing device.
 10. An apparatus comprising: an adaptor fixedlydisposed on a bottom of a container, apart from a dispensing path fordispensing a dispersal of a contents of said container; a modularattachment comprising: a housing adapted to be detachably connected tosaid adaptor such that said modular attachment is apart from saiddispensing path when said housing is connected to said adaptor; and amotion sensor adapted to detect a movement indicative of dispensing saiddispersal of said contents.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, comprising: afirst sensor affixed to an outer surface of said container, wherein anoutput of the first sensor is operatively coupled to said modularattachment.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein: said first sensorcomprises at least one of: a piezoelectric sensor configured to detectstructural deformations of said container caused by an individualdispensing medication; and a pressure sensor configured to detectvariations in pressure caused by an individual grasping said container.13. An apparatus comprising: a plurality of adaptors, each said adaptorbeing fixedly disposed on a bottom of a respective container of aplurality of containers, each said adaptor being apart from a dispensingpath for dispensing a dispersal of a contents of a respective containerof said containers; a modular attachment comprising: a housing adaptedto be detachably connected to any of said adaptors such that saidmodular attachment is apart from said dispensing path of said respectivecontainer when said housing is connected to said adaptor of saidrespective container; and a motion sensor engaged with said housing andadapted to detect a movement indicative of dispensing said dispersal ofsaid contents.
 14. A method, comprising: generating, by a motion sensorof a modular attachment removably engaged with a container, motion datarepresenting a collective movement of said modular attachment and saidcontainer; wherein said modular attachment is connected to a containersuch that said modular attachment is apart from a dispensing path for adispersal of a contents of said container, via an adaptor fixedlyattached to a bottom of said container; identifying, by a processor ofthe modular attachment and from said motion data, a movement indicativeof dispensing said dispersal from said container.
 15. The method ofclaim 14, comprising: establishing, by a communicator of said modularattachment, a communication channel between said modular attachment anda first computing device.
 16. The method of claim 15, comprising:communicating, by said communicator, said motion data to said firstcomputing device so as to enable identifying by said first computingdevice of said movement indicative of dispensing said dispersal fromsaid motion data.
 17. The method of claim 14, comprising: identifying,by a processor of said modular attachment and from said motion data,said movement indicative of dispensing said dispersal.
 18. The method ofclaim 17, wherein: determining, by said processor and from saiddispersal, compliance with a regimen from said dispersal.
 19. The methodof claim 17, comprising: establishing, by a communicator of said modularattachment, a communication channel between said modular attachment anda first computing device; and communicating said dispersal to said firstcomputing device so as to enable determination of compliance with aregimen by said first computing device.
 20. The method of claim 18,comprising: establishing, by a communicator of said modular attachment,a communication channel between said modular attachment and a firstcomputing device; and communicating at least one of said dispersal andsaid compliance to said first computing device.